LA Lakers Rumors: Derrick Jones Jr. can join Purple & Gold this summer
The LA Lakers are focused on making a push towards the 2023 NBA playoffs. As is customary, rumors connecting potential free agents for the offseason have already started to fly in.
One such rumor has linked Chicago Bulls veteran Derrick Jones Jr. as a potential target for the LA Lakers this summer. The 6'6" star is known for his freakish athleticism on the court. But Jones has also become a versatile defender who can make an impact with his rare combination of quickness and length.
Alex Kirschenbaum of Sports Illustrated listed five potential targets for the LA Lakers this summer, ripe with current Chicago Bulls players. One of those names included Derrick Jones Jr. The athletic wing has become a versatile player on both sides of the floor, something that could intrigue the Lakers.
LA Lakers Rumors Connect Chicago Bulls Wing Derrick Jones Jr.
The LA Lakers will have to be strategic with any potential additions this upcoming offseason. Reports suggesting that the team could be interested in Derrick Jones Jr. do make some sense.
Despite having two superstars in Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the Lakers organization understands that they need to fill out the depth of their roster. General manager Rob Pelinka was active in looking to upgrade the roster ahead of the NBA's trade deadline. Since then, the Lakers have started to look like a more complete team when healthy.
Reports have suggested that the Lakers will look to retain most of their current roster for the upcoming 2023-24 season. But that doesn't mean that the Lakers would not be looking to add specific pieces who can offer versatility.
CLUTCH BLOCK BY DERRICK JONES JR.
@TheRea1DJones | @NBCSChicago https://t.co/NYAjtWO8DW
That's just what Derrick Jones Jr. can do on the basketball court. The recently turned 26-year-old offers two-way versatility and has become a strong defensive asset in the NBA. Jones is currently averaging 5.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in just 14.1 minutes.
He will have the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Jones has a player option with the Chicago Bulls for the 2023-24 season worth $3.4 million. He could look to gamble on himself by finding a better deal in free agency that may offer some security moving forward. Los Angeles are a team who have the purse to sign him.
The Lakers currently find themselves in ninth place in the Western Conference standings and remain two games behind Golden State Warriors for sixth place. They are set to take on Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night before a Friday night showdown against Minnesota Timberwolves.